The article reports that the number of special advisers working in No 10 increased by around a quarter during Keir Starmer’s final year, while the wider Government employed record numbers of these political appointees. It presents the rise as notable amid criticism of Labour’s employment record and public-sector staffing.

Special advisers are temporary, politically appointed staff who support ministers with policy, communications and political advice, rather than permanent civil servants. The reported increase applies both to Downing Street and across Government, though the article frames the figures as evidence of expanding political staffing under Labour.